I have an old Sylva Star that is a car purely in description. It's basically a bare chassis with some bodywork that's pretty scabby and really needs to be replaced. It has no engine, running gear, electrics, seats etc. The only thing it has going for it is that it has a valid V5 which states that it is a Sylva Star, albeit it has a Q plate.

on the other hand, I also have a MK Locost (live axle precursor to Indy). The MK is pretty much complete, but needs the wiring looked at and, more importantly needs put through the IVA.

My dilemma is whether to just sell the MK as-is and let someone else do the IVA on it and then concentrate on the Sylva Star. The problem with that is that the technology difference between the two is startling. The Sylva is based on old Viva running gear, whilst the MK is coils and wishbones. Also I'm having a real struggle tracking down bodywork or even moulds for the Sylva..

I've been wrestling with this for a while, so any suggestions are welcome.

Cheers.

keep the MK fix it up IVA it and enjoy

Keep the mk and put it through iva obviously :-)
Will be quickest, easier, cheaper, and probably a better car than the sylva tbh

+1 for the MK.

Hi
Definitely the MK, Flog the Silva with the V5 should sell well
Use the money on the Mk.
Or flog em both & buy a road legal ready made one.
Good luck whatever you decide
René

One important fact about the Sylva Star was that it was designed by Jeremy Philips who has since gone on to design many other successful kit cars. Although the Star uses Viva running gear this was chosen for good reasons. The front suspension and steering come as a complete assembly that once unbolted from the Viva was then bolted to the chassis of the Star. I believe that the only modification was to reduce the length of the springs slightly. Having a complete assembly like this has obvious benefits. It should also be noted that many 'hot rodders' also used this assembly for cars that they built. Another benefit of the design of the star is its near 50/50 weight distribution plus I believe it has a wider track than the MK. The downsides of the Star are its looks (it is definitely a 'Marmite' car) and the fact that it weighs more than a Lotus 7 style of car.
As to the issue of the bodywork you will find sourcing this a little difficult for the Star, however there was a full unused set that sold on EBay recently for £150. Also I believe the bonnet from the latest Sylva Leader will also fit. Last year there was one on EBay that you could have bought for 99p.
Finally as to the question as to which should you make roadworthy? There is an argument that you should plan to get both road legal but in the first instance I would suggest concentrating on the MK. Completing the MK first will give you the opportunity to source the bodywork for the Star. The MK will be worth more with an IVA than without one and once on the road you may decide that you would rather not complete the Star and sell this. Note I believe that you should be able to sell the Star for a minimum of £450 given it is road registered.

Just googled sylva star as I had not heard of it before. Dear god they are looks only a mother could love!

sell both and start fresh is what i would do.

quote:

---

Originally posted by bi22le
sell both and start fresh is what i would do.

---

Receipts and photos can all be resolved
You have an MK why not complete it

Just seen the Star and re read your post
To contemplate getting the star on the road and your comments on IVA say it all
Your scared of IVA and don't want to do it
Don't put the Star on the road it's not what you realy want, it's very old and the donor bits are rare
The MK can pass IVA with little problem it's just a matter of building up your evidence, the test itself is not a big deal

[Edited on 20/1/13 by snapper]